Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in 2018, is set for restricted free agency next year after failing to agree to a rookie contract extension with the Phoenix Suns before Monday’s deadline. The negotiations between the two sides fell through after Ayton reportedly asked for a max deal, and the Suns refused to make that offer.
The type of deal that Ayton wanted, a five-year, $172.5 million contract, was already given to several members of the 2018 draft class, including Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder), and Michael Porter Jr. (Denver Nuggets). But while the 23-year-old player and his camp believed he is on the same level as the players listed above, the Suns didn’t and never made any indications they would tap into the max territory.
Not signing Ayton to a deal he wanted saves money for Phoenix short-term but might come with severe implications. Ayton already publicly signaled his concerns that the Suns don’t value him enough, so having an unhappy player on the roster could potentially be a distraction as the team attempts to return to the NBA Finals.
Also, the Suns are risking having a lot less control over Ayton than they would have if they had signed him to a max extension. While they can match offers from other teams in restricted free agency, Ayton could accept a deal that would give him an early exit and make him a free agent earlier than expected.
There is also a scenario, which is less likely, that Ayton simply signs the qualifying offer that would see him play out 2022-23 and then leave for free after.
Since entering the NBA, Ayton has averaged 16.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
